Compact drive mechanism for electrically powered vehicle

Abstract

A compact and lightweight drive mechanism for an electrically powered vehicle such as a wheelchair or a scooter. The compact drive mechanism includes a gearmotor combining a motor and a gearbox. High strength rare earth magnets and a large diameter enable the motor to generate a high torque. Gearmotor efficiency is maximized by placing the motor and gearbox in a direct drive relationship, with the shafts of both motor and gearbox parallel to one another. The compact drive mechanism weighs less than conventional drive mechanisms and occupies less space. The compact drive mechanism therefore improves efficiency and lowers power requirements over conventional systems.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to drive mechanisms for powered vehicles for the disabled and specifically to an improved drive mechanism for a wheelchair or motor scooter.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Conventional electrically powered wheelchairs are typically powered by motors connected to a separate gearbox. The typical gearbox is a right-angled gearbox. Stopping the wheelchair is accomplished by a brake, which is typically connected externally to the motor.[0003]Since the wheelchair must be able to turn in a very tight radius, conventionally powered wheelchairs typically have two drive wheels, which can be rotated independently of one another. Each drive wheel is driven by a gearbox, which in turn is driven by a motor. A brake is typically connected to the outside of the motor. To supply power to the motors, the wheelchair is typically outfitted with one or more batteries. The batteries are typically rechargeable, so that the operator can easily recharge th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]As a result of providing a brake that is internal to the electric motor, a first advantage is that the overall size of the electric motor is reduced as compared to a conventional motor with an external brake. A further advantage results from the reduction in the footprint or amount of space taken up by the motor and gearbox. By reducing the amount of space required, there is more room for batteries and other essential equipment.

[0012]Providing a gearmotor including an internal brake provides a further advantage in that the weight of the drive mechanism is reduced. A weight reduction decreases power drain and increases battery life.

[0013]Placement of the gearbox portion of the gearmotor within the wheel hub of the drive wheels has the advantage of creating additional space on the wheelchair frame.

[0014]By providing a direct drive between the motor portion and gearbox portion of the gearmotor, overall electrical efficiency is improved over the conventional right-angle motor and gearbox.

[0015]These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following description along with reference to the drawings.

Problems solved by technology

The use of two motors, two gearboxes, an external brake, and the batteries to supply power results in a great demand for space to accommodate all of these components.

The motor, gearbox, and external brake take up a lot of space on a convention wheelchair, leaving little space for installing batteries and other equipment.

The gearboxes and motors add to the weight of the wheelchair, increasing the power drain and decreasing the charge of the batteries as the wheelchair is operated.

Power consumption is high.

A large amount of space is required to accommodate a right-angled gearbox.

The right-angled gearbox and motor are fairly large, thereby adding a significant amount of weight that will consume power and reduce the efficiency of the drive mechanism.

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